Special Service and Features
NHAI Celebrates ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ with Regional Conference in Kochi; 6 projects are about to commence for constructing 187 KMs of roads at Rs 21,271 Crores in Kerala
Kochi, 28th May 2022:
Celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, NHAI Chairperson Smt. Alka Upadhyaya inaugurated a two-day conference of Regional Officers Confernece in Kochi. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative that brings together NHAI officials and regional stakeholders from Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu onto a common platform to share knowledge, achievements, and challenges.
Apart from project reviews, the conference also hosted an ‘Open House’ for free-flowing discussion of NHAI Regional Officers and Project Directors with the Chairperson. A knowledge-sharing session on ‘Sustainability in Construction – Building Better Roads’ was also conducted. NHAI Chairperson, Smt Alka Upadhyaya delivered the special address at the Session.
Elaborating on the projects in Kerala, Smt Alka Upadhyaya said that NHAI had completed the Construction of a total 177 km of the road network. Construction work of 403 km of road project worth Rs. 34,972 Cr. is ongoing. In addition, 6 projects were about to commence in a couple of months for a length of 187 KM with an overall cost of Rs 21,271 Cr.
She said that the 121 km long Palakkad Malappuram Kozhikode Greenfield Highway will ease the traffic of existing NH 966. The time period to cover the entire distance will be reduced to one and a half hours from the current three and half hours. The Greenfield Highway will boost the development of remote areas of Palakkad and Malappuram District. The Highway will improve inter-state connectivity between Tamilnadu and northern Kerala.
The 59 km long Shenkottai Kollam Greenfield Highway will ensure seamless connectivity and ease out traffic in the existing NH 744. The Highway development will be beneficial to both Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram District. The Highway will boost the tourism potential of Thenmala Eco tourism.
Another important Project is the 12.34 KM elevated Highway between Thuravoor to Aroor in Alappuzha District. The Project will be the longest 6-lane elevated Highway in the State to date. The elevated highway will improve the connectivity between Alappuzha District Ernakulum District & Cochin City.
She said that the NHAI is planning to award the Outer Ring Road Project to ease the traffic in Thiruvananthapuram District. NHAI has taken steps to include the project in Bharatmala Pariyjana Scheme under Grand Challenge Mechanism and Ministry approved the same. Once the Land Acquisition is completed the project will be started immediately. The Outer Ring Road will cater to the traffic of the upcoming Vizhinjam International Seaport and boost the development of western areas of the Thiruvananthapuram District.
NHAI is identifying black spots  in construction with the Police Dept. of Govt of Kerala and recently 214 black spots have been identified. Short-term measures have been completed at all these locations. 156 black spots locations are being attended to with long-term measures.
She noted that the Kuthiran Tunnel was completed and opened to traffic on 20.01.2022. Now the Tunnel caters to more than 30,000 vehicles/day and improves the connectivity between Tamil Nadu and central Kerala.
She said that the Paliyekkara Toll Plaza has set an example by having a women's team of user fee collectors in the morning shift. She said that NHAI was planning to implement the same in other Toll Plazas as well.
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